PDP Chairmen Allege Political Violence, Opposition Intimidation in Ebonyi

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has accused authorities in Ebonyi State of allowing an alleged pattern of political violence, intimidation, abductions and targeted killings against opposition members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum called for urgent investigations by federal security agencies and increased monitoring by international election observers, citing concerns over the safety of PDP leaders, candidates and supporters in the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, who is also the Imo State PDP chairman, the group alleged that opposition members had faced unlawful detentions, threats, property destruction and restrictions on political activities.

The forum warned against the alleged use of public institutions to disadvantage opposition parties, stressing that democratic participation depended on equal protection under the law.

“Public authority must never be weaponized to intimidate one political party while facilitating another,” the statement said.

The group urged Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser to intervene to protect residents and restore confidence in the state’s security arrangements.

It specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police to establish an impartial investigative panel to examine reported attacks, threats, abductions, killings, armed robbery and destruction of property. It also asked the DSS to conduct an independent security assessment of the alleged political violence.

The forum further appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations, to monitor the situation and assess concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms in Ebonyi.

The statement also criticised the police response to complaints from opposition members, describing it as unsatisfactory. It raised questions about reported accommodation arrangements between the state Commissioner of Police and ReMeritona Hotel in Abakaliki, which the forum alleged was owned by Governor Nwifuru.

While acknowledging that the reported arrangement did not automatically establish bias, the group said it required clarification to preserve public confidence in police neutrality.

The forum also alleged unequal access to public infrastructure, claiming that some political groups could use public spaces without difficulty while PDP gatherings faced restrictions and bans.

It called on Nwifuru to publicly condemn political violence, clarify his position on reported statements directed at the opposition, explain the legal basis for the sealing of party assets and cooperate with independent investigations.

“All allegations must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. Anyone found culpable through credible evidence should face the full weight of the law, regardless of their political standing or official position,” the statement added.

The forum also commended the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, and urged him and his supporters to remain peaceful as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

However, the Ebonyi State Police Command rejected allegations of political bias or compromise. The command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the police, under Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor, remained politically neutral and continued to respond professionally to security threats across the state.

The allegations and the police response come amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The forum has called for an impartial investigation, while the police maintain that their operations are guided by neutrality and professionalism.